Montreal-Calgary trade: Matt Coronato and the ninth pick in Montreal?

Rumors are already swirling in Montreal and Calgary that the Flames are ready to make a move to secure the fifth overall pick held by the Montreal Canadiens.

Under GM Craig Conroy, Calgary is aiming high and definitely wants to make sure they get their hands on top defenseman Zeev Buium.

The stakes are high, and the Flames are willing to use serious assets to achieve their goal.

In this negotiation saga, the fifth universal choice assumes vital importance. According to expectations The athletethe Flames would go with Buium at No. 5 overall, allowing Tij Iginla to slide to the ninth pick, where the Canadiens could take that opportunity.

But for that, Calgary must convince Kent Hughes, the Canadiens' general manager, to part with this prized pick.

The dilemma is clear: How can Hughes be convinced to give up the fifth pick when the Flames don't have many assets to offer?

After all, the Flames have one of the worst groups of prospects in the entire NHL. Patrick Roy's Islanders are in the worst position, but Calgary is certainly in the basement as well when it comes to the quality of their young talent.

Matt Coronato stands out as one of Calgary's top prospects, but is that enough to tip the scales in their favor? The proposal on the table is: Coronato, paired with the ninth overall pick, in exchange for the fifth pick.

Coronato has undeniable potential, despite his small size, but it doesn't look like Hughes is ready to trade the fifth overall pick for this offer.

For him, maintaining this choice seems to be the ideal solution. With a clear vision for his team's future, Hughes is not willing to give up the opportunity to select promising talents Ivan Demidov or Kayden Lindstrom.

However, if the two forwards are no longer available at No. 5, it may be time to weigh the pros and cons of the Flames' offer.

So, despite the Flames' efforts to attract the Canadian's attention, it appears the fifth overall pick is still entrenched in Montreal.

So Calgary's quest to bolster its defense will have to continue in other ways as the draft saga has only just begun.

Meanwhile, Jordan Harris' name continues to fly through the flames. One way or another, there will actually be a deal between Montreal and Calgary.

Epic to follow…